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Senators captain Karlsson dealt to Sharks

14 September 2018 00:56

Erik Karlsson is on his way out of Ottawa.

The San Jose Sharks on Thursday acquired the defenseman in a trade with the Senators, the team announced.

The Senators will receive Chris Tierney, Rudolfs Balcers, Dylan DeMelo and the rights to prospect Josh Norris in addition to a conditional 2019 second-round selection and a conditional 2020 first-round selection. Should San Jose re-sign Karlsson, Ottawa will also receive a conditional 2021 second-round selection. Forward Francis Perron is headed to the Sharks along with Karlsson.

"It's extremely rare that players of this calibre become available," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "The word 'elite' is often thrown around casually but Erik's skillset and abilities fit that description like few other players in today's game.

"With Erik, Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, we feel we have three of the NHL's top defensemen and stand as a better team today than we were yesterday. We are thrilled to welcome Erik and his wife, Melinda, to San Jose."

Karlsson has one year remaining on his seven-year contract worth $45.5million signed in 2012. Although the team tried to extend his deal in July, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said Karlsson turned the offer down.

Karlsson, 27, was selected by the Senators with the 15th overall pick of the 2008 draft. The 2012 Norris Trophy winner posted nine goals and 53 assists over 71 games last season.

A five-time All-Star, he has been the Senators' captain the last four seasons.